Brighton and Manchester United lock horns at the Amex Stadium for the first game of Matchday 2 in the Premier League.
Both sides go into the fixture full of confidence having picked up wins on the opening weekend of the season.
Will either side make it two wins from two? We will have to wait and see but ahead of Saturday’s kick-off, NetBet has previewed the intriguing fixture and provided some betting tips along the way.
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Brighton vs Manchester United
Saturday, August 24, 12.30pm
Amex Stadium, Brighton, England
Live on TNT Sports
Brighton vs Manchester United Preview
United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham was littered with positives, none more so than the debut goal by second-half substitute Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutchman made a significant impact off the bench and it looks like he will give the injured Rasmus Hojlund serious competition throughout the season.
Defensively, Erik ten Hag’s side looked more assured than last term as well. Lisandro Martinez was impressive, while summer signing Noussair Mazraoui shone as an attack-minded right-back and fellow arrival Matthijs de Ligt looked solid when he came on.
Things are starting to look a bit better for the Red Devils, although Saturday’s match will be a far sterner examination of their 2024-25 credentials.
Brighton, now under the leadership of 31-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler, were simply too good for Everton last weekend and claimed a deserved 3-0 win at Goodison Park.
Kaoru Mitoma scored and looked back to his devastating best, while new boy Mats Wieffer enjoyed a stellar Premier League debut at the heart of the midfield.
And Danny Welbeck got himself on the scoresheet, meaning he will be brimming with confidence when he takes to the field against his old team.
With so many attacking stars on show for the hosts, including Joao Pedro and Simon Adinrga, the onus will be on Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo to win the midfield battle and stop the supply into them.
The United pair impressed against Fulham and the performance of their partnership will have a huge bearing on the result of this match.
Because if Brighton can limit their influence and control possession like they did at Goodison, key man and creator-in-chief Bruno Fernandes may succumb to the perils of footballing frustration.
What a game we have in prospect!
Brighton vs Manchester United Odds
*Odds are subject to change
After their 3-0 win over Everton, Brighton actually go into this match as favourites at 2.50. United are priced at very tempting odds of 2.62.
Pedro is tipped as the game’s most likely first scorer at 6.50, with Zirkzee just behind the Brazilian forward at odds of 7.10 – despite the fact he is unlikely to start the game. Ex-Red Devil striker Danny Welbeck sits at 8.40.
Brighton vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford to score anytime @ 2.13
Picking a goalscorer for United is not the easiest task, but we feel confident either Fernandes or Rashford will ripple the back of the net. Fernandes is likely to play as a false nine again, while Rashford has a point to prove after a poor 2023-24 campaign.
Manchester United to score over 2.5 goals @ 4.15
A bold shout given United only scored once against Fulham, however, Brighton’s attack-minded style and high line could play into the visitors’ hands. The Red Devils always excel when counterattacks are on offer, as it is a key part of Ten Hag’s philosophy and playing style.
Brighton Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steele, Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Hinshelwood, Milner, Wieffer, Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck
Injuries: March, Verbruggen, Espinola
Doubts: Ferguson, Estupinan, Lamptey, Gruda, I. Julio
Manchester United Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford
Injuries: Yoro, Malacia, Fish, Shaw, Hojlund
Doubts: Lindelof, Sancho
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